AFFORDABLE ACCESSORIES: DELICATE JEWELRY FROM ILLUSY ON ETSY

Happy Monday, Everyone!
Recently, I was looking for a more affordable vertical hammered 14k gold filled bars necklace to replace the one I had, loved and wore almost daily, but was lost last year.  
Needless to say, it was not an easy task.  Turns out, most only have one bar on their necklaces and I wanted 2 at different lengths.
I'm a huge fan of Etsy and supporting other creative people and small business owners.  So, when I came across the illusy Etsy Shop and they had one, and once I saw the price at $28, I was sold!
When it arrived, less than a week later, I was beyond impressed!  The packaging, attention to detail and little personal touches truly made my purchase a special and happy experience.  This was when I knew I had to share her shop and my purchase with all of you!
The illusy shop is owned by Janet in California, and she offers a variety of delicate, handmade jewelry accessories from necklaces, bracelets, rings and more.  I picked out some of my other favorites to share with all of you as well.
Enjoy, and if you are in the market for a new, delicate piece of jewelry or a fun, affordable gift, I'd check out her shop.  You won't be disappointed and will be sure to find something special. ❤
Side Note: Happy Birthday, James Dean, it would have been his 85th.Adorable illusy packaging, hand written note and personal touches. ❤

illusy 14k Gold Filled Vertical Bars Necklace

Above store images and items from illusy Etsy Shop

illusy Items Pictured Above(from top to bottom) Initial 14k Gold Filled Arrow Necklace = $27
Light Green Aventurine Stone & 14k Gold Filled Triangle Bracelet = $21
 Horizontal 14k Gold Filled Bar Bracelet = $21
14k Gold and Rose Gold Filled Rings = $13 - $30
Long Personalized Initial Banner Necklace = $24
Sterling Silver Hammered Curved Bar Necklace = $34
Sterling Silver Tiny Drop Key Necklace = $25

AFFORDABLE HOME DECOR, GIFTS AND EXPRESSIONS OF LOVE FOR UNDER $7

Happy Monday, Bogland!
I hope all of you on the east coast survived the blizzard and were able to have a little fun.
I know not everyone enjoys or celebrates Valentine's Day, but with it fast approaching, I wanted to put together a few affordable home decor and small gift ideas for those who may be so inclined.
Remember, you don't need a day to give you permission to send a little love in the mail, brighten your home or share some love.  Each of these can be used any time during the year and will be sure to add a special touch for under $7!  ❤

Layout Created and Designed by Liesl Ehardt with images from Forever 21 and World Market.

1.  Gold Foil & White Make-up Bag

Forever 21 = $5.90

2.  3 Hearts Mug

Target = $4.99

3.  Be Mine Card / Lots of Love Card

Forever 21 = $3.99

4.  Heart Teaspoons*

World Market = $3.99

*(Heart Measuring Cups also available here) 

5.  You ❤ Me Heart Mug
Forever 21 = $6.90

6. Coral & Gold Foil LOVE Cocktail Napkins

World Market = $4.99 /pack of 20

7. Black, Gold Foil & Fuchsia LOVE Gift Bags

World Market = $5.98 /set of 2

8.  Red Heart Thick Plastic Straws

Amazon = $6.38 /pack of 20

LOOK OF THE DAY: FORMAL CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER ATTIRE UNDER $85

Happy Monday, Everyone!

I hope each of you had a magical holiday season and were able to celebrate around friends, family and/or loved ones.  

I was fortunate to be surrounded by my entire family this year, including my niece and 3 nephews, which made it extra special for me.  There truly is nothing like being with those whom you care about most and having little ones running around...it's really all I ever need for Christmas.

Our family tradition is getting dressed up on Christmas Eve and having a big, formal dinner following cocktails and a plethora of hors d'oeuvres.  This year, was the first in many where I hadn't chosen to wear a strapless or sleeveless dress, as to not freeze, and it was 75 degrees in VA, naturally! ;)

I paired a fitted black turtleneck, that I’ve had for years and is a favorite of mine, with a full, flirty and bouncy black skirt, which I refer to as my "big girl tutu," a new pair of red faux suede heels and a variety of gold and sparkle affordable accessories.  

My entire look cost under $85, and it could easily double as a NYE look by simply adding a bit more sparkle and switching out the heels.  

Below, I break it all down for you along with some pictures from our celebration.  Enjoy! :)

Black Turtleneck

H&M = $7.99 (on sale)

(similar fitted style found here)

Black “Big Girl Tutu” Skirt

Love Culture = $24.95 

(similar styles found here and here)

Red Faux Suede Heels

Forever 21 = $27.80

(same heels, but in different colors, found here)

Gold Hammered Bars Statement Necklace

Forever 21 = $12.80

(similar style and look found here)

Gold & Crystal Sparkle Ring

Forever 21 = $6.80

(similar look created pairing these found here)

Gold Open Bangle

Forever 21 = $1.80

(similar styles in the bangle set found here)

__________________________________________________________

TOTAL LOOK = $82.12

Black “Big Girl Tutu” Skirt: Love Couture = $$24.95  /Red Faux Suede Heels Forever 21 = $27.80

Gold Hammered Bars Statement Necklace: Forever 21 = $12.80

Gold & Crystal Sparkle Ring: Forever 21 = $6.80  /  Gold Open Bangle: Forever 21 = $1.80

One of my brothers-in-law with my dad, two of the most incredible men I know, and my extraordinary dad with my super sisters.

Good Eats.

Niece Nugget!

My incredible nephews and extraordinary parents.

Marvelous Mother and Super Sisters

My silly and super fun family, minus the 2 littlest ones who had gone to bed. :)

"Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night."

UPDATE AND LOOK OF THE DAY: FALL DINNER AND A PLAY READING IN NYC

Happy Holidays and Monday, Bogland!

It has been far too long since I posted here, and I have truly missed you all so much!  

Honestly, it has been a busy and difficult year for me personally.  Yet have no fear because in 2016 I plan to be back with a new look and posting weekly, once again.  

As many of you know, blogging was a passion of mine for years, but life got in the way a bit and I found myself without time, true inspiration or the energy you all deserve.  

That said, I'm getting ready to take a risk, fully follow my heart, embrace my creative soul and get back to sharing affordable fashions, my 'Get Crafty' DIY ideas, quotes and positivity in 2016.  All in hopes of leaving each of you who stop by a little space in bogland a bit more inspired. 

In the meantime, enjoy this affordable Look of the Day for under $75.00, from head to toe.  I recently sported it to dinner at the Pinnacle Bar in Times Square and a play reading of You Never Can Tell, starring Stockard Channing, which The Roundabout Theatre Company o kindly invited me to attained in NYC.  

Fall has been gorgeous on the East coast and incredibly warm as we approach winter and Christmas, record breaking even, which makes me feel as though I'm back in LA LA Land, but with lovely leaves.

Thank you all for your patience and continued support over the past year, it means more than you know, and I'm sending each of you great big hugs and hope you are enjoying the holiday season thus far.  

If you are interested in a further look into my life through pictures, you can always follow me on my Instagram @lieslehardt where I post daily! :)

Black Turtleneck

H&M = $7.95 

Black & White Skirt

Forever 21 = $14.80

Black Tights

TJ Maxx = $1.99

Black Faux Suede & Gold Zipper Booties

Target = $24.99

Gold Bracelet

Forever 21 = $1.80

Gold Ring

Charming Charlie = $6.00

Gold Spike Necklace

Express = $14.95 (on sale)

Black & Gold Shimmer Envelope Cutch

H&M = $5.00 (on clearance)

______________________________________________

TOTAL LOOK = $77.48

Gold Bracelet: Forever 21 = $1.80  /  Gold Ring: Charming Charlie = $6.00  /

Gold Spike Necklace: Express = $14.95 (on sale)

Black Faux Suede & Gold Zipper Booties: Target = $24.99

Black & Gold Shimmer Envelope Cutch: H&M = $5.00 (on clearance)

Enjoying cocktails and snacks at the Pinnacle Bar at the Hilton Hotel in Times Square.

Just the right size dinner, 2 crab cakes, side salad and rice pilaf, at the Pinnacle Bar.

Play Reading of You Never Can Tell by The Roundabout Theatre Company at the American Airlines Theatre starring Stockard Channing.

On the outside balcony at the American Airlines Theatre in Times Square.

Winter White Coat: Forever 21 = $59.80  /  Black & Oatmeal Scarf: Old Navy = $12.00

AFFORDABLE ONLINE SHOPPING: FAST FORWARD TO FALL WITH CHARMING CHARLE

Happy Labor Day and Monday, Blogland!

First off, Happy 41st Anniversary to my extraordinary parents!!! ❤

Second, while in Washington DC recently, I got to visit my older sister and she introduced to Charming Charlie.  A store she thought I would love, especially, since it is affordable and organized by color, and she was right.

Since there are no locations near me in New York City, I decided to go online and see if they offered online shopping, and was so happy to see that they do.  This prompted me to do another affordable online shopping post.  

Seeing that I’ve been dreaming of fall lately, and just purchased my favorite 2 for $22 Leaves Scented Candles from Bath & Body Works, I was inspired to tie in the cooler season ahead of us with this fast forward to fall themed post. 

Each item can currently be purchased online.  Plus, get FREE Shipping when you spend $50 or more.

(Layout created by Liesl Ehardt using images vis Charming Charlie.)

1.  Orange Clover Turn Lock Wallet - $12.99*

*(available in 11 additional colors.)  

2.  Gold Leaf Earrings - $10*

*(also available in silver) 3.  Honey Reading Glasses – $12
4.  Lightweight Cream Sweater – $25

5.  Gold X'Cuse Me Midi Ring - $6

                
6.  Neutral Faux Leather Messenger Bag – $17.99*
*(also available in black or white)

7.  Gold Medallion Faux Suede Camel Flat – $25      

To save even more, use one of the following promo codes at checkout…

15% Off Entire Order - promo code: LADY04  /  $10 Off $50 - promo code: BTS10OFF  /

$20 Off $70 - promo code: BTS20OFF.  

Enjoy the holiday and Happy Shopping and Saving!!!